Page 76 of Someone to Hold
“It would be a waste of time.” I curl my hands into fists. “They’ll just get chipped and dirty again.”
Her smile turns a little bit wistful. “Who cares? Feeling pretty and taken care of has its place, even if it’s only for a few minutes. It’s part of that fun you mentioned.”
“Then I might take you up on a manicure very soon. I’m hosting a wedding here in a couple of weeks. I’ll be working the event, but it would be nice to feel pretty while I’m doing it.”
“There you go. And if you decide the cowboy isn’t your type, I have it on good authority that wedding hookups are legit.”
“Good authority?” I ask, raising a brow. “Or personal experience? Pretty sure the last wedding you attended was your sister’s, with Ian’s very sexy brother as the best man.”
She makes a choking sound. “Felix Barlowe isnotmy type.”
“Adrenaline junkie cowboys aren’t my type either, but?—”
“Mommy, come quick!” I stop mid-sentence as Laurel’s voice rings out. “You have to see this!”
“Quick!” Luke echoes.
Dashing is impossible with my booted foot, even now that I’ve been cleared to start reducing my time on the crutches, but I hurry outside as fast as I can. My heart is pounding in my chest. What could be so urgent? Did someone get hurt? Is there an emergency?
Chase and the twins are standing in the middle of the driveway. With a horse that is not Fancy. This animal is smaller and?—
“It’s so I can have riding lessons!” Laurel shouts.
“You, too, if you want them, buddy,” Chase adds, patting my son’s shoulder. Luke practically bounces on his toes, his eyes as wide as saucers. “This is Gumdrop,” Chase announces to all of us. “He’s a long-time trail horse who was ready for a new adventure.”
“New adventures,” Piper murmurs and elbows me. “A guy who brings your kids a horse isn’tat allinterested in something more than sex.”
“He’s just being nice.” I press a hand to my chest like that canprotect my heart from the onslaught of Chase’s particular version of kindness, and everything that goes with it.
“I don’t think guys like him are ever nice for no reason.” We’re standing on the porch, and the twins are peppering Chase with so many questions, I know they can’t hear our conversation. “Chase Calhoun likes you, Molly. It might be time to start believing you’re worth somebody making that effort.”
I glance at her, and she squeezes my hand. “Trust me. I know it’s not easy to admit you want more than what life has given you. But you’re worth it. Sometimes happiness is like a nice manicure—you just have to enjoy it while it lasts.”
“Mommy, I’m gonna ride Gumdrop! Come and watch!” Laurel calls.
I can feel the weight of Chase’s gaze on me as Piper moves off the porch. But I don’t follow.
She’s right, of course. I can just let this moment be what it is. He didn’t ditch me after our night, although this gesture hits me even harder than the idea of him not caring did.
“I need to put some shoes on, and then I’ll be out,” I say. My throat tightens as I watch him interact with the kids like he belongs here. Like we’re already a family. The thought terrifies me. But somewhere deep in my heart, there’s a glimmer of hope that Chase might be part of the happily-ever-after I never thought I’d get.
“Hurry, Mommy,” Laurel shouts.
“We’ll wait,” Chase says. “We’ve got all day and night.”
His voice—those casual words—sends heat flooding through me. Because I’ll gladly take whatever time this man is willing to give me.
24
CHASE
When Molly entersthe barn ten minutes later, I search her face for some sign that I’ve screwed things up as much as I’m afraid I have by bringing Gumdrop to the farm.
Although Laurel is riding the horse around the ring with an ear-to-ear grin, I’d bought the animal with Luke in mind.
Ray texted me about the outfitter looking for a new home for the animal, and I drove out early this morning. Once I saw the docile gelding, I knew he was my best shot at helping the boy feel comfortable enough to climb into the saddle.
And right now I need something to focus on besides my growing attachment to my best friend’s widow. I’ve never been the kind of man to confuse sex with something more meaningful, but I’ve also never felt anything close to what I do for Molly.
